Welcome to the ultimate guide for a truly sensational **Keto Mixed Berry Chicken Salad with Candied Pecans**! If you’re searching for a low-carb meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction, you’ve found your new go-to. This recipe masterfully blends the creamy texture of classic chicken salad with the vibrant sweetness of fresh berries and the irresistible crunch of homemade candied pecans. It’s a delightful paradox – a healthy, keto-friendly dish that feels incredibly indulgent.
Forget bland, boring diet food. This chicken salad offers a harmonious balance of sweet, savory, and salty notes, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive contribution to any potluck. Plus, with simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve culinary success. Get ready to elevate your low-carb lifestyle with a recipe that is as nutritious as it is delicious, keeping you full, energized, and completely satisfied.
Crafting the Perfect Keto Candied Pecans
The secret weapon in this extraordinary chicken salad lies in its **Keto Candied Pecans**. Since perfecting my keto candied pecans recipe, I’ve discovered countless ways to incorporate these golden nuggets of goodness into my low-carb meals. They aren’t just a garnish; they’re a crucial component that transforms this salad from good to gourmet.
These candied pecans offer the perfect equilibrium of salty and sweet, a flavor profile that tantalizes the taste buds without derailing your ketogenic goals. Beyond their incredible taste and satisfying crunch, pecans are packed with healthy monounsaturated fats and dietary fiber, making them an excellent choice for supporting your body while on a low-carb diet. These nutrients contribute to satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer, and can even assist in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Sprinkling these delightful candied pecans over a creamy chicken salad is, without a doubt, one of my absolute favorite applications. They provide an unexpected textural contrast and a burst of flavor that complements the chicken and berries beautifully. This combination results in a remarkably nutritious and incredibly filling lunch or dinner idea. Each serving of this heavenly salad comes in at just four net carbs, making it a truly guilt-free pleasure you can enjoy regularly.
Making these pecans at home is surprisingly simple. You’ll melt butter, stir in a granulated keto-friendly sweetener like Swerve until it caramelizes, then fold in the pecans. Spread them on a baking sheet to cool, and watch as they transform into crunchy, sweet, and savory jewels ready to elevate any dish. This simple step is what sets our low-carb chicken salad apart, ensuring every mouthful is an experience.
The Role of Berries in Keto Chicken Salad
The inclusion of fresh, juicy berries is what truly makes this **Chicken Salad with Berries** a stand-out recipe. It’s an innovative approach that marries the traditional savory elements of chicken salad with a refreshing fruity twist. This easy-to-prepare recipe strikes an ideal balance of sweet and savory notes, creating a complex flavor profile that is both intriguing and utterly delicious. Not only is it a breeze to mix up in your kitchen, but it’s also remarkably easy on your budget, proving that healthy eating doesn’t have to break the bank.
This budget-friendly, low-carb recipe is crafted using accessible ingredients that you can typically find at a reasonable cost. While the fresh berries and high-quality pecans are often the most “splurge-worthy” ingredients, their impact on the overall taste and nutritional value is immeasurable. They provide a burst of natural sweetness and a wealth of antioxidants, elevating a simple chicken salad to a gourmet experience. We carefully select specific berries that are known for their lower carbohydrate content, ensuring this dish remains perfectly aligned with ketogenic principles. This thoughtful selection allows us to enjoy the vibrant flavors and health benefits of fruit without compromising our dietary goals.
Building the Base: Low-Carb Chicken Salad
The foundation of any great chicken salad is, of course, the chicken itself. This recipe offers incredible versatility, allowing you to use whatever chicken you have on hand, making it a truly adaptable **Low-Carb Chicken Salad**. It’s the perfect opportunity to utilize leftover roasted chicken that might be lingering in your refrigerator, giving it a delicious second life. Alternatively, for ultimate convenience, you can swing by your local grocery store and pick up a rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the tender meat, and you’re halfway to a fantastic meal.
For those times when you need an even quicker solution or want to keep pantry staples readily available, canned chicken is an excellent and often overlooked option. It’s incredibly shelf-stable, making it a reliable ingredient to have on hand for last-minute meal prep or unexpected cravings. Furthermore, canned chicken is typically very economical, allowing you to create this delicious and healthy salad without stretching your budget. Regardless of your choice, ensuring your chicken is thoroughly drained and shredded provides the ideal texture for absorbing the creamy dressing and mingling with the berries and pecans.
Once you’ve combined all the vibrant ingredients, this delightful chicken salad stores beautifully. Simply transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. I personally love using mason jars for my meal prep; they’re not only visually appealing but also practical for portion control and grab-and-go lunches. This makes the mixed berry chicken salad an ideal candidate for weekly meal planning, providing a healthy and delicious option you can look forward to throughout your busy week.
Selecting Keto-Friendly Berries for Optimal Flavor and Health
When crafting a truly exceptional **Keto-Friendly Berries** chicken salad, the choice of fruit is paramount. We carefully select berries that offer a delightful sweetness and a wealth of nutrients without excess carbohydrates. In this particular keto chicken salad recipe, I’ve opted for a vibrant duo: strawberries and blueberries. These two berries are consistently recognized for having some of the lowest net carb counts among common fruits, making them perfectly suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle. Strawberries bring a juicy, slightly tart sweetness, while blueberries contribute a burst of milder, deeper flavor and an attractive color.
Another fantastic low-carb berry option that fits perfectly into this recipe is raspberries. Known for their distinct tartness and soft texture, raspberries can be enjoyed alongside strawberries and blueberries, or you can easily swap them in place of the blueberries for a different flavor dynamic. All these berries are bursting with antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber, offering a myriad of health benefits that go far beyond just being low in carbs. They support immune health, promote glowing skin, and contribute to overall well-being.
Despite containing natural sugars and carbohydrates, these specific berries are incredibly good for you in moderation within a keto diet. Their high fiber content helps mitigate the impact of their natural sugars on blood glucose levels, contributing to the “net carb” calculation that keto dieters focus on. This isn’t just a delicious salad; it’s a nutrient-dense powerhouse that will make you feel fantastic from the inside out. Enjoying these delicious berries in your chicken salad means you’re not just adhering to your dietary plan, but actively nourishing your body with wholesome, vibrant ingredients.
Versatile Ways to Enjoy Your Keto Mixed Berry Chicken Salad
One of the many joys of this extraordinary chicken salad is its incredible versatility in how it can be served. This is the absolute perfect salad to reach for when you find yourself craving that delightful interplay of both sweet and salty flavors. Whether you prefer a light meal or something more substantial, there are numerous creative ways to savor every bite of this **What To Eat With Chicken Salad** masterpiece.
For a straightforward and elegant option, simply grab a fork and enjoy it straight from the bowl. This allows the intricate flavors and textures to truly shine, making it a satisfying meal on its own. If you’re looking to add some extra greens and crunch, serving the chicken salad atop a large, crisp piece of lettuce – such as butter lettuce, romaine, or endive – creates a refreshing and convenient lettuce wrap. This method adds a lovely freshness and keeps the carb count incredibly low, perfect for a strict keto plan.
For those who miss the comfort of a sandwich, you can transform this salad into a keto-friendly delight by serving it on keto cloud bread. Cloud bread offers a light and airy texture, providing that familiar sandwich experience without the high carbs. Another fantastic idea is to scoop the chicken salad into avocado halves for an extra boost of healthy fats and a beautiful presentation. You could also serve it alongside crisp cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for a fresh and crunchy pairing.
To round out your meal with a sweet and refreshing side dish, consider making a keto strawberry cucumber salad. Its cool and crisp flavors provide a wonderful contrast to the creamy chicken salad, and it’s a fantastic way to utilize garden-fresh strawberries. And, of course, no perfect lunch is complete without a refreshing beverage. Pour yourself a tall glass of keto sweet tea. With this delightful combination, your lunch is officially served – a truly unforgettable and satisfying low-carb feast awaits!
Low-Carb Mixed Berry Chicken Salad With Candied Pecans Recipe
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and prepare this incredible Low-Carb Mixed Berry Chicken Salad with Candied Pecans. Below, you’ll find a comprehensive list of all the ingredients you’ll need, along with step-by-step instructions. We’ve also included visual aids with pictures to guide you through each part of the process, ensuring a smooth and successful culinary experience. Exact measurements and detailed instructions are provided below in the printable recipe card section for your convenience. Get ready to create a masterpiece that will become a staple in your keto kitchen!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5-8 minutes
Servings: 4
Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per serving
Ingredients
- Can of chicken, drained (12 ounces)
- Chopped celery (1/4 cup)
- Finely chopped red onion (1/4 cup)
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup)
- Juice from half a lemon
- Chopped strawberries (1/3 cup)
- Chopped blueberries (1/3 cup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pecans (1/3 cup)
- Butter (1/2 tbsp)
- Granulated Swerve Sweetener (1 1/2 tbsp)
Directions
1. Add the butter to a pot over medium heat until it is fully melted and shimmering.
2. Stir the granulated Swerve sweetener into the melted butter. Continue to stir constantly until the sweetener has fully melted and caramelized into a golden, syrupy consistency. Remove the pot from the heat immediately to prevent burning.
3. Quickly stir the pecans into the caramelized mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
4. Spread the coated pecans out onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This prevents sticking and allows them to cool properly. Let them cool completely until they are firm and crisp, then break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
5. In a separate large mixing bowl, combine the drained chicken, chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, mayonnaise, and the fresh juice from half a lemon. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste, then stir until all ingredients are well combined and the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
6. Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and blueberries. Mix carefully to ensure the berries are distributed throughout the salad without crushing them too much.
7. Serve the mixed berry chicken salad immediately, garnished generously with your freshly prepared keto candied pecans. Enjoy!
Low-Carb Mixed Berry Chicken Salad with Candied Pecans
Fresh, juicy berries, tender chicken, and sweet and crispy pecans mix together to make the ultimate keto chicken salad. This delightful recipe brings together vibrant flavors and satisfying textures in a low-carb, nutrient-packed dish perfect for any occasion.
Recipe Details
- Course: Lunch, Dinner, Salad, Meal Prep
- Keyword: mixed berry chicken salad, keto chicken salad, low-carb chicken salad, candied pecans, healthy lunch
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-8 minutes (for candied pecans)
- Total Time: Approximately 28 minutes
- Servings: 4 generous servings
- Calories: 245 kcal per serving
- Net Carbs: 4 net carbs per serving
Ingredients
- 12 ounce (1 standard can) Chicken, drained and shredded
- 1/4 cup Chopped Celery, for crunch
- 1/4 cup Finely chopped red onion, for a subtle tang
- 1/3 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat for keto)
- Juice from half a lemon, to brighten flavors
- 1/3 cup Chopped Strawberries, fresh
- 1/3 cup Chopped Blueberries, fresh
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup Pecans (whole or roughly chopped)
- 1/2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 1 1/2 tbsp Granulated Swerve Sweetener (or other keto-friendly granulated sweetener)
Instructions
- Prepare Candied Pecans: In a small pot over medium heat, melt the butter completely.
- Stir in the granulated Swerve sweetener. Continue stirring constantly until the sweetener is fully dissolved, melted, and has caramelized into a light golden syrup. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the pecans, ensuring each pecan is thoroughly coated with the sweet mixture.
- Spread the coated pecans in a single layer onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Allow them to cool completely at room temperature until they harden and become crispy. Once cool, break them into desired smaller pieces.
- Assemble Chicken Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and shredded chicken, chopped celery, finely chopped red onion, mayonnaise, and the juice from half a lemon.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the chicken is coated in the creamy dressing.
- Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and blueberries, mixing just until they are evenly distributed throughout the salad. Be careful not to mash the berries.
- Serve: Serve the Low-Carb Mixed Berry Chicken Salad immediately, generously garnished with the prepared keto candied pecans. Enjoy chilled.
Recipe Notes
Calories: Approximately 245 kcal per serving.
Net Carbs: Approximately 4 Net Carbs Per Serving.
The nutritional information for this recipe is calculated as a courtesy and is an approximate only. Factors such as specific brands of ingredients and exact portion sizes can affect the actual nutritional content. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipes on this site. Always consult a qualified nutritionist or healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.
Storage: Leftover chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The candied pecans are best stored separately to maintain their crispness and added just before serving. However, if mixed in, the salad will still be delicious, though the pecans might soften slightly.
Variations: Feel free to experiment with other keto-friendly berries like raspberries. You can also add a hint of fresh mint or basil for an herbaceous twist that complements the berries beautifully. For an extra creamy texture, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt (if dairy is part of your keto plan) can be added to the mayonnaise base.
More Delightful Keto Chicken Salad Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the vibrant flavors and satisfying textures of this low-carb mixed berry chicken salad, then you’re in for a treat! The world of keto chicken salads is incredibly diverse and offers endless possibilities to keep your meal prep exciting and your taste buds happy. These recipes are not only delicious but also fantastic ways to incorporate lean protein and healthy fats into your diet without sacrificing flavor.
Mixing up your weekly meal prep doesn’t have to be a chore. With these inventive and equally delicious chicken salad variations, you can enjoy a different flavor profile every day of the week. Each recipe brings its unique twist, proving that healthy eating can be both creative and incredibly satisfying. Explore these exciting options:
- Keto Mediterranean Chicken Salad: A refreshing blend of olives, feta, and sun-dried tomatoes for a taste of the Aegean.
- Keto Cranberry Chicken Salad: A classic combination with a low-carb twist, featuring the sweet-tartness of cranberries.
- Low Carb Taco Chicken Salad Recipe: Spice things up with a zesty, flavorful salad inspired by your favorite taco flavors.
- Keto Sweet and Spicy Canned Chicken Salad: An easy and exciting recipe combining sweet and fiery notes for an unforgettable kick.
- Keto TikTok Hot Girl Summer Chicken Salad: A trendy and incredibly flavorful option perfect for warm weather and social gatherings.
Each of these recipes is designed to be simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfectly suited for your low-carb lifestyle. Don’t let your keto journey become monotonous; dive into these delectable options and discover new favorites that will keep you on track and deliciously fed!